How to Get an Initial Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania
The process of obtaining your first Pennsylvania medical marijuana card, step by step.
Starting your journey into the world of medicinal marijuana might seem daunting, but with JustMyDoc, it's simpler than you think. The potential benefits, such as relief from chronic pain and anxiety, are well worth exploring.
Our beginner's guide is designed to demystify the process of acquiring your first Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Card, walking you through every legal step.
Requirements to obtain a medical marijuana card in PA
A Qualifying Medical Condition
There are currently 24 qualifying conditions for the Pennsylvania MMJ program, which include but are not limited to anxiety, chronic pain, neuropathy, and more. View the full list here.
Proof of Residency
In order to obtain a Pennsylvania MMJ card, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania, and have either a valid Pennsylvania driver's license, or state-issued ID card. This proof of residency will be required during the registration process on the DOH Patient Portal.
Age
Applicants for the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for participation*. This age requirement ensures that individuals applying for medical marijuana cards are legally considered adults and can make informed decisions regarding their healthcare treatment.
*Minors may also be eligible for the program, if they have a caregiver who will pick up their medicine for them, and a certifying practitioner signs off on their eligibility. If this applies to you, please email us for further assistance at ask@justmydoc.com
Annual Fees
Your Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana card incurs two fees - the physician's fee and the state fee.
The physician's fee covers the cost of obtaining your certification and is paid to reserve your appointment at JustMyDoc. For your first MMJ card, this fee is $150. Subsequent years incur a reduced fee of $75.
The annual state fee of $50 is separate and must be paid after your Initial consultation. This fee supports the administrative costs of processing applications and maintaining the state's medical marijuana program. Eligible individuals may have this fee waived if they qualify for certain government assistance programs. Scroll below to our 4 step guide for further information.
4 Steps to Get Your Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Card
Your guide to success, step by step.
Register an Account with the Department of Health
Register here for the PA Medical Marijuana Program.
You will need a valid PA Driver’s License or State ID card to complete this. People generally find the most success when using a laptop or desktop. If you run into any errors, it may be necessary to contact the state medical marijuana helpdesk at 888-733-5595. They are open 7am - 9pm, 7 days a week, and a customer service representative can help you create the account on the backend if you email them a photo of the front and back of your state ID.
The registration form can be quite finicky so make sure to follow these rules:
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Type all information (except email, username, and password) in ALL CAPITALS.
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Type your name and address EXACTLY as it appears on your license or state ID.
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Do not use any punctuation such as commas or periods when typing your address.
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Do not enter spaces between the numbers in the driver’s license or PennDOT-issued ID card number.
Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a 6 digit patient ID. This can be kept in case you ever need to contact the state Helpdesk. Please save your username and password and you will need to access this account again each year to pay the state program fee (step 3) and make any updates to your mailing address.
10 min
150 US dollars
Get a Certification from a Physician
Schedule an appointment
Obtain approval to participate in the medical marijuana program from a MMJ certified and PA licensed physician.
At JustMyDoc, our physicians are trained to listen to your concerns and offer helpful advice on cannabis usage. We offer same-day appointments and the doctor will give you a phone call to do the consultation at your convenience. No waiting rooms or waiting on hold! We respect your time and want to start you off with a positive experience with the medical marijuana program.
If you've registered on the DOH Patient Portal, click Book Now below to schedule your initial consultation today!
(Pre-payment is required to secure your appointment, but if you don't end up qualifying, we will provide a full refund)
Pay State Fee
Patients with state benefits can waive this
Log back into your Department of Health Medical Marijuana Portal account. In the menu, there is a tab called "Make Payment." This will only show the option to pay/waive the fee after the physician has submitted your certification. Follow the instructions on this page to take care of the payment. This fee helps the state run the medical marijuana program in PA and there is the option to waive it for those receiving Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, or any other eligible government assistance program.
Receive Your Card
It’s ready to use out of the envelope!
The card will arrive in under 21 days. There is no need to activate it. You can bring this card along with a valid state ID or driver’s license to start getting your medicine from any dispensary in PA.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've got you covered.
Where do I legally purchase Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?
Any authorized PA Medical Dispensary!
Navigating the options for purchasing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania is crucial for patients seeking treatment.
There are over 170 current dispensaries in Pennsylvania. Use online resources like this dispensary map, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health's official website to find licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in your area.
Each dispensary offers a rotating selection of products and strains available, and may provide services tailored to meet individual needs, such as online ordering or curbside/drive-thru pickup.
How to Find a Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Finding the right fit
Finding the right medical marijuana dispensary is crucial for a positive treatment experience. We recommend taking a look at the Department of Health's official website for the most up to date list of each medical cannabis dispensary in Pennsylvania.
Explore different dispensaries online resources, websites, menus, and patient reviews. Consider visiting potential dispensaries in person to assess their atmosphere, customer service, and product selection firsthand. Don't hesitate to ask dispensary staff about products, recommended dosages, any other concerns you may have. That's what they're there for!
When to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card
When should I set a reminder?
Your medical marijuana card is valid for one year from the date of issue. Keep track of your card's Issue and Expiration dates printed on your physical card.
Approximately 30 days prior to your state fee becoming payable, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) will send you an email notification prompting you to pay the fee. Plan ahead and ensure that you take care of your state fee as soon as it becomes payable to avoid any interruptions in your access to medical marijuana.
We recommend scheduling your renewal consultation approximately 30-60 days before your current card expires. This timeframe allows for ample preparation and ensures that your renewal process is completed well in advance, minimizing any potential delays or complications.